How does one even begin to top the fact that filming on Sherlock 3 is just around the corner? While news that production filming is set to begin on 18 March and cast and crew have gathered for the first read-through on Monday should be enough to tide even the most ardent Sherlock fan over until we see our first stills from the streets of London, Benedict Cumberbatch’s announcement at Tuesday’s South Bank Awards show is enough to set the Internets ablaze. FYI, Cumberbatch’s Parade’s End series took home the TV Drama prize at this years awards ceremony.

Photographic evidence that Sherlock 3 has begun…
 

Referring to both he and co-star, Martin Freeman, Cumberbatch said: “We’ve agreed to two more series but I could get into trouble for saying that. All I know at the moment is I’m doing these three episodes of the upcoming series and another three.” (The key here is the ‘another three’ part, which translates to series 4 in my book.)

The star added that he would like to see the show continue beyond a fourth series but admitted it would depend on whether he, Freeman and co-creator Steven Moffat could find the time to do it. “It just depends on Martin and I’s availability, how long we can keep it going. It depends on Steven’s ability. I’d love to keep it going.”

Benedict on Sherlock 3 – an ‘absolute stonker’

“You are in for an absolute stonker. It’s going to be a treat,” said Cumberbatch, when asked about yesterday’s initial read-through rehearsal for the first episode of the new series, which will finally explain how the detective survived his fall from the roof of St Bart’s Hospital. Reaching for my Anglotopia’s Dictionary of British English, I now know that this means ‘something really big’ is going to happen. I think I’ll just set the DVR now for January 2014, the early odds-on favorite for both a UK (BBC One) and U.S.(PBS) premiere.